At the close of nominations on Wednesday 11 March, the FDA Executive Committee’s nomination of Penman was the only valid nomination submitted. The Independent Scrutineer appointed for this election has accordingly declared that Dave Penman has been elected for a five-year term.
Following the announcement, Penman said:
“It is truly a privilege to serve as General Secretary of the FDA and I could not be prouder to be re-elected for another five year term. The challenges never cease but neither does the inspiration in representing the dedicated public servants who make up our growing membership.”
Following his re-election, Penman told Civil Service World:
“Over the last decade the union has grown by 72%, frozen subscription rates for members, and increased resourcing to support members. As a result we have never been in a stronger position to face the many challenges facing the civil service over the course of this next term and beyond.”
FDA President Margaret Haig said:
“Whether it is defending impartiality, campaigning on terms and conditions, or looking to the future of the workplace, Dave is in a strong position to represent FDA members in a way which cuts through other noise and distractions.”
Penman was first elected General Secretary in 2012. He has been re-elected in 2016, 2021, and 2026.
As the political temperature rises in the lead up to Northern Ireland’s May election, the FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has once again called on MLAs to “keep civil servants out of the political crossfire.”
FDA General Secretary Dave Penman spoke as part of the Bright Blue Panel ‘can AI improve public services?’ at Conservative Party Conference 2026 on Monday 5 October.
While these changes begin to address challenges identified by our members in the CPS, the union continues its call for increased CPS funding, in order to help tackle these crimes long-term.
